Valentine’s love in Wai‘anae

Whether you’re planning a Galentine’s outing or looking for a spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day, a new option just popped in up West O‘ahu (no pun intended).

Wai‘anae-based Lanterns Restaurant and Tavern opened a new pop-up space right next to its restaurant, which is known for its cocktails and local-style comfort food.

This pop-up space, which is like a private dining room, will be open for special occasions like Valentine’s. The pop-up bar will feature Valentine’s-themed decorations and offer themed beverages until Feb. 28. Like the restaurant, the pop-up venue offers multiple spaces for photo opportunities.

The pop-up bar is first come, first served; no reservations are allowed. The space can hold about 45 people.

Shots ($9 each) include creatively named options like Love Potion with Malibu, pineapple juice and li hing mui; Pink Starburst with watermelon liqueur and vanilla vodka; and Purple Passion, a mix of ube, coconut rum, coconut cream and coconut water. Photogenic themed cocktails ($14 each) include French Kiss (Prosecco, Empress Gin, watermelon, strawberry and Sprite), Cupid’s Juice (Tito’s, vanilla ice cream and strawberries) and Dump Him (tequila, Triple Sec, li hing mui, orange, lime and lemon).

You can still order cocktails in the fish bowl ($28) and boozy bag ($38) sizes. Just keep in mind that boozy bags are for a minimum of two people to share.

The pop-up features a limited food menu, which highlights some of the most popular dishes from the restaurant. Must-have starters include poke nachos ($22) — crispy wonton chips topped with spicy ahi and shoyu-ginger ‘ahi poke — crab artichoke dip ($20) and kālua pork nachos ($20). The latter features wonton chips covered with a generous portion of shredded kalua pork, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream and cheese. This dish is not on the eatery’s regular menu yet, but it will be soon.

If you’re looking for a heartier entrée, opt for the house burger ($22), fish and chips ($22), crispy chicken sandwich ($20) or loco moco ($28). The house burger is a meaty behemoth of wagyu beef topped with mild cheddar cheese, house aioli, butter lettuce, tomatoes and pickles atop a soft brioche bun.

Of course, a romantic dinner or girls’ night out isn’t complete without dessert. Choose from strawberry cheesecake ($9) or chocolate lava cake ($12). The latter is a new option that’s making its debut for the Valentine’s pop-up. The moist chocolate cake is topped with vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle, and hot fudge oozes out once you dig into it. The eatery is planning to add new dishes to its menu next month; fingers crossed that this is one of them.

CONTACT
Valentine’s pop-up by Lanterns Restaurant and Tavern
87-064 Farrington Hwy. second floor, Wai'anae
808-762-0264
lanternshawaii.com
Instagram: @lanternshawaii
Pop-up bar hours: 5-10 p.m. Mon-Fri, noon-10 p.m. Sat-Sun until Feb. 28

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.